Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces

Introduction

PSALM 133:1 NKJV

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it isfor brethren to
dwell together in unity!”

When I think about “home sweet home,” images from my childhood come to mind—fluffy
feather pillows, the wooden toy chest, the tire swing in the backyard. We adults
still want our homes to feel carefree, peaceful, and safe. We want them to be
full of hugs and laughter.

What feelings come to mind when you think about your home today?

It’s wonderful to have a beautifully decorated home as long as you are not
a slave to it. A beautiful home is only a blessing if it meets your needs, rather
than you having to slave to meet its needs.

Too often our dream of an ideal home is unrealistic. What should matter the
most is having a home that gives you, your family, and your friends the freedom
to be yourselves. It should meet the needs of the family.

As an interior designer, I (Sharon) have spent my life working with real
people and real families in their most personal and cherished spaces—their homes.
Our homes should be the places where we have the freedom to relax and express
ourselves. At the same time, as Christian women we know that God wants us to
have a positive influence on those around us. We want to use our homes to nurture
our families and friendships, new and old. We want a home that looks beautiful,
is easy to maintain, and meets our needs.

Finding balance between the spiritual and the physical needs within the home
is key to creating an atmosphere of love. Creating a nurturing environment for
our children and visitors is important. A home is where we “come from.” It is
our foundation. Our homes are the first worlds that our children know. Here
they gain their first impressions of what to expect from the world. Our homes
determine how they look at and treat outsiders and will influence the rest of
their lives. As Florence Littauer said, “It’s not the surroundings but the spirit
that makes for genu-ine hospitality.”1

We must nurture our spiritual centers since the Spirit is such an important
part of us and of our homes. That’s why Deb and I have taken a unique approach
in this book. We’ve integrated spiritual insights and questions with solid design
advice.

You may use this book anyway you like, but here’s one idea. On Sunday, or
the day you have the most time, read the opening Scripture and the sentence
under “Day 1.” Each day of that week reread the verse and read the next day’s
thought or question. The sentence meditations will focus your first thoughts,
but it will be amazing to see how God leads your mind. If you miss a day, don’t
worry. You can easily read several meditations at once. We made them short because
we know you are busy.

Anytime during the week, read the accompanying design lesson. Be sure to
catch the practical design tips at the end of each unit. Then enjoy implementing
the spiritual insights and design tips into your life and home as you nurture
yourself and your loved ones.

Notes

1. Florence Littauer, It Takes So Little To
Be Above Average (Eugene, Oreg.: Harvest House,
1996).

Meditations on Firm Foundations

ISAIAH 33:6

“He (God) will be the sure foundation for your times,a
rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;the fear of the Lord is
the key to this treasure.”

Day 1

Thank You, God, for Your promise of a sure foundation even though sometimes
I feel shaky.

Day 2

What are the “rich stores” on which my life and my home are built?

Day 3

Thank You for granting me salvation and wisdom and knowledge.

Day 4

How can I properly fear You?

Day 5

Teach me how to anchor my home on Your foundation.

Day 6

Grant my loved ones and me a renewed sense of our treasure in You.

Firm Foundations

A home is an earthly foundation. As children, it is the first environment
we know, and from it we learn what to expect from family and outsiders. Our
home lives will determine how we look at and approach the rest of the world
and the rest of our lives.

In her book Your Life, Nancy Carmichael said: “It is one thing to have a
wonderfully decorated and furnished house; but is the house for you, or do you
exist for the house? We have real fellowship when we feel safe with one another,
when there is earned trust in the relationship. Fellowship is for us, the real
people with real needs. There is nothing sweeter than authentic
relationships.”

THE BASIS FOR SOCIETY

All aspects of our lives are touched and affected by the atmosphere of our
homes. One of the most important things that we can do is to establish a home
that is joyful, comfortable, and encouraging to those who dwell there.

Home life shapes families and societies. Architecturally, a well-designed
and well-constructed home is one of the finer accomplishments of humankind.
But a home is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where family members
can receive physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. As Franklin Delano
Roosevelt said, “Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity for every family.
Without a decent place to live, people cannot be productive members of society,
children cannot learn and families cannot thrive.”

Our homes should not only reflect our personal tastes but also express the
personalities of all those who live there. Personal mementos and heirlooms passed
down through the family can make a house feel like a home.

Most people stop short of finishing their homes. They get the major pieces
of furniture and maybe an accessory or two. But that is just the foundation.
It is the little things—color, texture, pattern, wallcoverings, area rugs, pillows,
a soft throw, plants, artwork, and treasures collected throughout your life—that
truly make the difference.

BEGIN WITH LOVE

One of the most frequent questions I (Sharon) hear is “Where do I begin?”

Start with something you love. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, a rug, a
lamp, a chair, or even a piece of wallpaper, it doesn’t matter as long as you
love it. Then build the space around that treasured item. Learn to collect things.
The objects we collect tell stories and hold memories. Finding and living with
objects that we love can bring joy.

The secret is to make choices that are right for you and your family. Arrange
or rearrange in a way that makes life simpler and easier. If your children hear
the words “no” and “don’t” every time they enter or use a room, it means your
home rules are overruling practical living, and there is something wrong with
the choices you have made. As Carole Mayhall says, “Being a keeper of the home
is a big task, but it won’t be overwhelming if you keep trying to simplify your
home as well as your life.”1

Here are some tips for improving the foundation of your home life:

Allow your home to be a living home that adapts to meet the changing
needs and lifestyles.

Evaluate your space and needs. Prioritize the tasks that need to be
addressed in each room. If you expect children to do homework in the family
room, then provide them with a table or desk.

Don’t let the fashion of the moment dictate your spaces, because you
will end up sacrificing function and personal taste, which will directly
impact your enjoyment of life.

Make room for fun. Create safe spaces where children can be themselves.

Be respectful of each family member’s privacy and personal possessions.

Designate a place or room as the “listening space.” As a child, my family’s
spot was the kitchen table. We gathered there to express our feelings, converse
with each other, and gain acceptance and recognition.